Clinical

Heart disease

Menopause

Renal failure

Characteristics

Cerastes is a small genus of vipers
found in North Africa and the Middle East. C. cerastes is a larger member of
the genus found in the deserts of North Africa and Arabia. Although the genus
is known as horned vipers only members of C. Cerastes and C. gasperettii have
the distinctive horns over the eyes and they are not found in all members of
either species. They seem to be more common in those snakes that live in sandy
deserts and less so in those living in more rocky areas. The snakes sink themselves
into the sand by vibrating their bodies and wait buried until prey comes close
enough to strike. When burying themselves or moving through the sand the scales
of the snake make a rasping sound. The horns may have a role in keeping sand
out of the eyes or may break up the outline of their heads and so act as camouflage.
The snakes also mate while buried in the sand. They are nocturnal animals spending
the day buried in the sand if possible and if not in abandoned mammal burrows
or sheltered under rocks. They also lay their eggs in these crevices and burrows.
In Greek and medieval mythology the Cerastes is a horned serpent whose outstanding
quality is an extremely flexible spine.

The venom of the Horned Viper is
complex, thirteen toxins have been identified, and the composition varies considerably
in different individuals. Historically they are much feared in the areas that
they are found but there are very few, if any, recorded fatalities. Yet Schneemann
et al describe two cases of bites from captive snakes in Europe that, even with
prompt treatment with specific antivenoms, resulted in life threatening conditions.
Initial local swelling was followed by coagulopathy, increased fibrinolysis,
thrombocytopenia, micro-angiopathic haemolytic anaemia and acute renal failure.
The venom has both haemorrhagic and coagulating effects that in some circumstances
may counteract each other.

The remedy was proved by Uta Santos-König
in Vienna with 6 female and 3 male provers.

The strongest physical symptoms in
the proving were centred on the heart with palpitations, racing and the peculiar
sensation as if the heart were gently squeezed in a hand. There could also be
weakness of the heart, as if barely beating. Heart symptoms can be accompanied
by fear.

The toxicology shows an affinity
not just to the circulation but also to the kidneys. Jaundice and small pimples
and blisters, particularly on the face were common indicating that the liver
to has an affinity to the remedy. It is a strongly right sided remedy.

The mental symptoms showed a particular
tendency for a natural gentleness and modesty to become pathological in "blind
accommodation and weak willed indifference". Or for the contrary state of rebelliousness,
inflexibility and irritability to arise.

The dreams gave a range of imagery
and feeling around the power of female sexuality. In the positive place there
was a sense of personal power and beauty that was enjoyed and which was admired
by other women and respected by men. At the other extreme the power invokes
the jealousy and envy of other women and the fear and hatred of men.

These issues together with the hot
flushes indicate that it is another of the snake remedies that will be useful
at the climacteric.

Like Bungarus fasciatus, another
nocturnal snake, it does not have the aggravation in the morning after sleep
but is rather better in the morning and worst during the afternoon.

Head

Stabbing pain in forehead and neck
when cold. Stabbing pain over left eye. Feels like being knocked out with a
pan. Sensation of heat. Dizziness and nausea on moving the head quickly. Dullness
around forehead.

Eyes

Difficulty focussing, vision fades
to infinity. Twitching of right eye.

Ears

High pitched tone in left ear, hissing
or buzzing.

Nose

Face

Features stiff, as if paralysed.
Itching around lower jaw, spots like mosquito bites. Skin blemishes between
eyebrows and around mouth. Red blisters on forehead, painful from pressure.
Yellow discolouration.

Teeth

Mouth

Tongue painful with impression of
teeth on right side. Open sore in the right corner that burns when touched.

Throat

Appetite

Increase of appetite. Loss of appetite.
Decreased urge to smoke. Desire for sweets.

Stool and Anus

Urinary Organs

Male Sexual Organs

Female Sexual
Organs

Respiratory Organs

Chest

Oppressive feeling in chest. Pressure
on chest. Stitching in chest on inhaling, as from tiny needles. Itching and
redness of right nipple, with sensitivity to touch.

Heart

Stitching pain in lower heart region.
Pressure and pain above the heart, after exercise, frightening. Can barely feel
the heart beating. Palpitations with nausea. Tachycardia. Racing as from strong
coffee. Sensation as if a hand is gently squeezing the heart, before falling
asleep.

Neck and Back

Lower back pain, < bending.

Limbs in general

Ice cold hands and feet.

Upper Limbs

Lower Limbs

Stitching pain in left knee, >
movement. Right knee swollen.

Generalities

Stitching pains. Restlessness with
heart palpitations. Flu like symptoms. Hot flushes and cold sweats in the evening.
Sensitivity to cold alternating with sensation of heat. Tiredness. Feeling of
dead quietness. Feeling refreshed in the morning.

Skin

Small itchy pimples and blisters.

Sleep

Dreams

Of sexuality. Being provocatively
dressed and arousing the envy and hatred of other women, but also of being admired.
Of her mothers rage and sexual jealousy. Of shame and anger around sexuality.
Of beautiful and powerful women. Of the importance and beauty of clothes. Of
shoes and shopping. Of places that belong to her but to which she has no access.
Of lovely flowers, tender beauty and complete happiness. Of being pregnant Of
the Star of Bethlehem. A man buried up to his neck. Of being fearful of losing
a car key. Of a fear of heights. Of cats with deep wounds.